Education

It is our firm belief that music should be available for all young people regardless of background We are very grateful for the support of our sponsors and patrons in enabling us to bring the exciting atmosphere of the Festival to so many every year.

In addition to events, there will be a limited number of tickets available for every concert at the festival for under-25s, thanks to the support of the CAVATINA chamber music trust. To request a free ticket, please contact cavatina@ocmf.net. Do get in touch early to avoid disappointment.

Children’s Concert, at the Sheldonian Theatre.

We will be holding our annual Schools’ Concert, held at the Sheldonian Theatre, at 2pm on the 9th October. It is entirely free for pupils to attend.

This event, created in participation with d’Overbroeck’s specifically for school children around Oxfordshire, will showcase a selection of our festival performers, offering a varied programme that will be fun, inspiring and interactive.

The programme will consist of a mixture of informative examples from Scandinavian folk music and some Norse readings, which will involve the children participating in folk singing, led by one of our own leading Scandavian musicians. The programme will also showcase music from the festival programme, which will include movements from Grieg’s Holberg Suite.

SCHOOLS’ PROJECT AT CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL

OCMF is delighted to collaborate with Christ church Cathedral and Oxfordshire County Council once again in order to present a unique experience for more than 150 local school children.

The day will include an opportunity to hear, as well as play, on an array of musical instruments which have been generously lent by the Oxfordshire County Music Service. The children will then tour the Cathedral, where OCMF musicians will be awaiting their arriving at each corner to present a unique performance to the children as they explore the magnificent building.

We are proud to announce the wonderful cooperation with our partner schools as addition to our education programme:

Previous Festivals

“Well, the festival finally arrived. And it was good. Really, really good.

On Wednesday afternoon we took all of Year 7, plus students from d’Overbroeck’s International School, to the Schools’ Concert in the dimly lit but atmospheric Town Hall. On the menu was modern music from Sally Beamish (still alive, still composing), and less modern music from Ralph Vaughan Williams, Tchaikovsky and, Mark Olejnik’s favourite [Mark is Headmaster of d’Overbroeck’s 7-11], Vivaldi (none of whom are still alive, sadly not one of them still composing). We heard Sheku Kanneh-Mason, the amazing young cellist who played at the Royal Wedding (Harry and Meghan, not Charles and Diana!), and presenting the show was Alexander Armstrong, Pointless presenter and TV and Radio superstar, who added a touch of celeb sparkle and brilliance to it all. From a teacher’s point of view it was perfect: at an hour long, and with plenty of variety and fun it was non-stop entertainment, and to see 35 Year 7 faces light up at the sound of an orchestra was a delight- one of those moments that make teaching such a joy. As ever it was a delight to be with our well-mannered and engaged d’Overbroeck’s pupils. We were very proud to be with them.

In the evening we did it all again, this time with the GCSE and A level students. The programme was a slightly extended version of the afternoon’s offering, and the students were particularly taken with the Vaughan Williams and Vivaldi/Beamish (weird but brilliant), and they were all dazzled by Sheku’s brilliant, emotional and intense playing.” – Richard Poyser, d’Overbroeck’s Director of Music

Read more about the Festival experience from Richard Poyser, Director of Music and students at d’Overbroeck’s.

We are most grateful to the CAVATINA Chamber Music Trust for their support in enabling OCMF to offer FREE tickets to young people aged 8 to 25 (inclusive) www.cavatina.net, and to d’Overbroeck’s School, Oxford for their continued support, publicity and sponsorship of OCMF.